It is not a secret that Intel is developing a number of experimental devices as part of its contextually-aware computing initiative. The company is also prototyping various innovative devices that could eventually emerge as big. Unfortunately, the company rarely talks about its experiments. During a recent event, Justin Rattner, chief technology officer of Intel, confirmed works on smart watch.

“Actually, we are looking at novel display devices. The watch is kind of – if you want to put the time on it, that’s fine. But if you are talking about texting today, would not it be nice if you could just look at your wrist?” said Justin Rattner at Bloomberg’s Next Big Thing conference, reports Venture Beat web-site.

Smart watches are currently developed by a bunch of companies, including Apple, Google, Samsung, LG Electronics, Microsoft Corp. and others. It is more than likely that at least several smart watch models will be released to market in the next twelve months. What is currently unclear is what functions should smart watches support and how autonomous they should be.

Interactive wrist-watches are supposed to be companions for smartphones and media tablets. It is logical to expect smart watch to feature media player controls, information updates, calendar, compass, reminders, NFC payment system and other functions that do not require a lot of screen real-estate. A lot of users will also appreciate custom apps for such devices.

In addition to experimental devices designed by the team of Justin Rattner, Intel recently formed a new unit called “new devices group”, which is headed by Mike Bell and which will address the markets that are yet to emerge with new products. After being unable to respond to demand for smartphone and tablet application processors, Intel will now try to create chips for devices that do not exist yet.

"The new devices organization is responsible for rapidly turning brilliant technical and business model innovations into products that shape and lead markets," said Brian Krzanich, chief executive officer of Intel.